PuSh Blog

Donor Spotlight: Michelle Allin

November 23, 2018

PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

Our donors transform the performing arts in our city through their generosity. Leading up to #GivingTuesday on November 27, we are sharing a few of their stories!

We spoke to Michelle Allin, a monthly donor and Youth Program alumna. Michelle started attending PuSh through the Youth Pass, which allows young people between the ages of 16 and 24 to see four shows for just $20. She has been a dedicated monthly donor ever since her first PuSh experience.

She shares how giving back to the organizations that benefit you can be manageable on a budget – and make a difference for others.

What is your favourite memory at PuSh?

On the closing night of the 2016 Festival I trudged through a small snowstorm to make it to Club PuSh to see Lido Pimienta perform. She put on a performance that I’ll never forget that was well worth braving the weather for – only PuSh can consistently get me out of my apartment in the dead of winter!

What performance works inspire you the most?

I look forward to the theatre offerings each Festival. Standouts from the most recent years for me were Concord Floral (2017) and Endings (2018).

In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does?

I love seeing how hard PuSh works to make the Festival inclusive to new people. PuSh recognizes that selecting programming that reflects the entire population, not just a select few, is the thing that makes art great; it’s not just a box to check, it’s essential.

What do you wish people knew about PuSh?

PuSh programs some of the best musical acts in Canada. I follow the Polaris Prize closely; it honours the best Canadian albums each year and for the past two years PuSh has featured artists nominated for the prize at Club Push: Lido Pimienta and Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Through the Club PuSh lineup, PuSh creates the best venue in the city to see music and other late-night performances you wouldn’t see elsewhere and that everyone will be talking about for years to come.

Why do you choose to make monthly donations?

Since I no longer work in the arts, donating to PuSh keeps me connected to the local and international arts scenes. I like knowing that my donation helps others to enjoy the same art that I do. Plus, donating monthly is easy to do and easy to budget – I know even a small amount each month helps the Festival plan for the future.

What would you tell someone who’s thinking of donating to PuSh?

Donating to PuSh not only supports the arts but makes Vancouver a more interesting place to live. It’s more important now than ever, especially in a city where artists and art spaces are increasingly being pushed into the margins.